enabling participants to preserve architectural gems while enjoying them as second homes
Historical buildings possess a distinct value that newly constructed structures often lack
is increasingly recognized in today’s world
Kessaku presents its first property, ‘Kessaku YAKAGE’ | all images courtesy of Kessaku
Kessaku was founded with a mission to preserve Japan’s rapidly disappearing architectural heritage. With over 200 cultural properties demolished since 2015, the company’s unique business model provides a solution to the high costs and labor associated with maintaining historic buildings
Guided by three key principles — re-creating buildings with respect to their original character
and establishing a sustainable system for co-inheritance — Kessaku aims to ensure that architectural treasures can be enjoyed and maintained for centuries to come
Preserving old buildings requires large-scale repairs in collaboration with craftsmen skilled in the construction methods of the time
this responsibility was too great for individuals to manage alone
individuals can now participate in preservation with as little as 1/36500 of a share
All the repairs and management can be entrusted to Kessaku
allowing participants to easily engage in preservation activities and focus solely on enjoying the building
the co-inheritance platform is dedicated to the preservation of architecture with historical
The first property offered under this model is ‘Kessaku YAKAGE.’ Built approximately 100 years ago
the house is situated in Yakage Town in Okayama
a historic post town in between Kyoto and Kyushu that retains much of its Edo-period charm
is one of the largest in the area and is located in a traditional architecture preservation district
this collaborative system allows for the enjoyment and preservation of architectural heritage
Entering through the gate and following the light that filters through the front window
visitors are greeted by a traditional landscaped Japanese garden
sets the tone for the residence’s serene ambiance
allowing residents to reflect on the house’s rich history
The space flows into a lounge that combines traditional design with modern comfort
followed by a dining area reminiscent of the Taisho to early Showa era
Kessaku re-creates buildings with respect to their original character
The whole property elegantly balances its historical elements with modern amenities
A special highlight is the bath and sauna area
which features a cypress-scented tub where one can soak while admiring panoramic views of the garden through early Showa-era glass windows that envelop the ground floor
the master bedroom offers the same sweeping view
spanning over the Yakage townscape and surrounding mountains beyond the garden
participants can enjoy architectural masterpieces as second homes
participants can own a piece of traditional Japanese architecture
participant can use the architecture as a vacation home
Kessaku will handle all maintenance and upkeep so the owners can enjoy hassle free
shares can be resold on a secondary marketplace
adding flexibility and potential for value appreciation
Kessaku’s approach opens up new possibilities for those passionate about architectural preservation
offering an accessible way to co-own and cherish Japan’s cultural treasures
While Kessaku’s journey begins in Japan
the company has ambitions to preserve valuable architecture worldwide in the future
Applications for purchase as solo or co-inheritance opened on August 31, 2024 – click here to find out more
the first property offered under this model is ‘Kessaku YAKAGE’
the residence was originally built by a samurai ancestry
this property has been carefully reimagined to preserve its original appearance and atmosphere
co-owners can simply enjoy this culturally rich residence
applications for purchase as solo or co-inheritance opened on August 31
company: Kessaku
AXOR presents three bathroom concepts that are not merely places of function
but destinations in themselves — sanctuaries of style
Kenji Anderson grew up around native Japanese speakers
and when his family visited his grandparents in Japan
he would pick up words and phrases along the way
But it was his Japanese classes at Oberlin that expanded his knowledge and fueled his passion for the country’s language and culture
As a Princeton in Asia teaching fellow
Anderson looks forward to strengthening his language skills and immersing himself in the local community of Yakage
which will be his home base for at least the next year
teaches English in local preschools and provides administrative support to the Yakage Town Hall
“One of the really great things about Princeton in Asia is the focus on community,” he says: “Both the community of the other fellows
the community that you’re entering into
because we have specific roles and specific jobs cut out for us in the community.”
Anderson, a 2022 Oberlin grad who studied English and piano performance, also pursued his interest in Japanese culture and language through his classes and social ties on campus
He credits an East Asian studies course on fantasy in Japanese literature and movies for sparking his interest in the subject
“I’ve always been really interested in living in Japan,” he says
my general interest in Japan became combined with my interest in English and literature.”
Anderson also took several Japanese language courses
“It was a cool way to really work on a skill that I grew up around
It was also great to have the language-learning process defamiliarized to me.”
Oberlin’s Double Degree Program was definitely what drew me in
I wasn’t quite sure what I wanted to study in the college coming in
which was also one of the best gifts of Oberlin.”
Anderson grew up in “a pretty musical household” in Emporia
He began taking piano lessons at an early age and went on to learn the violin
he was interested in studying at a conservatory
but also wanted to attend a school that was academically strong
“Oberlin’s Double Degree Program was definitely what drew me in,” he says
“I wasn’t quite sure what I wanted to study in the college coming in
Anderson sees a connection between his chosen majors
he invokes musical references when talking about his English major (“Texts are a great instrument for learning about life generally,” he says at one point)
He even conjoined them for his English honors thesis: a musical literary analysis on opera
which focused on the art form’s text
Anderson was involved with the Japanese Student Association
which celebrates traditional and contemporary Japanese culture through events held throughout the school year
he also worked with Ballet Oberlin in a musical capacity and contributed to the student newspaper the Oberlin Review as well as the student-run literary publication Wilder Voice
Anderson admits that Oberlin’s close-knit campus community—roughly 2,900 students pursuing studies across the college and conservatory—was a surprise at first
that very dynamic became a highlight of his experience here
because you can’t get too wrapped up in your own world,” he says
“You run into people so you’re pulled back into the community
That’s a really valuable experience I had at Oberlin.”
Founded in 1898 and affiliated with Princeton University
Princeton in Asia is dedicated to promoting appreciation and cross-cultural understanding between the U.S
As a recent recipient of the Goldwater Scholarship
Tanisha Shende ’26 will continue to work toward educational equity and responsible technology
Five Oberlin faculty members received Excellence in Teaching Awards for the 2023-24 academic year
who majors in history and minors in Spanish and Africana Studies
will graduate this semester after a vibrant and fulfilling time at Oberlin College
Oberlin has separate application processes for the College of Arts and Sciences and the Conservatory of Music
You have exceptional musical talent and intellectual enthusiasm.We have a place just for you
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A quick search into Okayama's attractions reveals few clues about the true nature of the prefecture
Tucked away at the bottom end of the island of Honshu
Okayama appears to be a relatively quiet corner of the country that's best known for its ties to the legend of peach boy Momotaro
It is also home to the reconstruction of the black-walled Okayama Castle but
The main brochures for things to do in the region involve two-day package tours of Hiroshima
a city that is not even in Okayama Prefecture.googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1499653692894-0'); });
it becomes clear that the prefecture does offer up a few other gems
I find much promise in a small town called Yakage that was a prominent waypoint on the old Edo road that connected Edo (now Tokyo) with western Japan
The Shukuba Festival that is held in the town in November each year is all the catalyst I need to turn my research into reality
In a time of both misinformation and too much information
quality journalism is more crucial than ever.By subscribing
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Sponsored contents planned and edited by JT Media Enterprise Division
they have been working with local people on the cultivation of fruits that have not been widely grown in Yakage before and on creating new goods made by processing those fruits
No article or any part there of may be reproduced without the express permission of the Cabinet Office. Copyright inquiries should be made through this form
an apparel line developed by the adult film maker PRESTIGE
which has been creating a buzz with its out-of-the-ordinary activities
have collaborated to create a new line of apparel
an up-and-coming brand that has been making headlines for its out-of-the-box activities
The new line will release photo T-shirts with a full of cultural color
focusing on actresses exclusive to "Prestige
a photographer who has been involved in composite photography since the dawn of digital photography
sampling famous photo T-shirts and band T-shirts
is sure to excite fashion and subculture lovers
NX7 × PRESTIGE APPAREL Suzu Matsuoka ¥9,900
NX7 × PRESTIGE APPAREL Suzu Matsuoka ¥11,000
NX7 × PRESTIGE APPAREL Nagarekawa Yu ¥9,900
NX7 × PRESTIGE APPAREL Nagarekawa Yu ¥11,000
NX7 × PRESTIGE APPAREL REMU RYOMORI ¥9,900
each actress has two designs for a total of eight T-shirts
This collaborative collection is a perfect example of Prestige Apparel's concept of "free fashion where individuality is naturally accepted and respected
a pop-up store of "Prestige Apparel" will be held at "Shibuya PARCO" from June 30 (Fri.) to July 6 (Thu.)
there will be special hours during the period when the above actresses will visit the store
The schedule of visits is summarized in the information below
so those who are interested should check it without omission
Italy-born ‘Albergo Diffuso,’ developing the whole village or city as a hotel
certificated four cities in Japan as startup operators
Albergo Diffuso Internazionale Estremo Oriente (ADieo) was established in July 2022 as an organization to promote the initiative in Japan
The four certificated cities follow Yakage INN & SUITES in Yakage City
a pioneer who was certificated in 2018.
“We are expanding the Albergo Diffuso program globally and found valuable regions in Japan as well.”
A major purpose of Albergo Diffuso is to revitalize local tourism by reusing exiting historic facilities
Dall’ara discovered the way when he participated in rebirth program of villages in Italy that were in crises after the great earthquake in Friuli-Venezia Giulia in 1976.
Albergo Diffuso particularly requires management of ‘distributed hotels’ in a village by one operator and harmony with local environment
culture and community in the development program
In addition to a basic concept of ‘Albergo Diffuso (AD),’ “Ospitalità Diffusa (OD)’ for a wider region and ‘Albergo Diffuso Town (ADT)’ for a local government are defined as certificates.
was certificated as AD to explore new ways to attract other guests than pilgrimage travelers to Minobu Mountain.
Zao Agricultural Stay Promotion Council in Zao
Miyagi Prefecture was also certificated as AD to develop old vacant houses as accommodation and at the same time to preserve the village life
Iwate Prefecture was certificated as OD to advance the tourism policy for the next 50 years amid a decrease in ski population in Japan
the first vacation rental will open soon.
Hirado City in Nagasaki Prefecture was certificated as ADT to be committed to develop a new city plan including local revitalization by tourism.
Imagine you're standing on the side of the dusty Sanyo Road during Japan's Edo Period (1603-1868)
You're part of a growing crowd of townspeople anticipating the approach of a daimyo feudal lord from the surrounding regions of Shikoku and Chugoku
soldiers and servants are on their scheduled sankin-kōtai journey to the Tokugawa shogunate in Edo (now Tokyo)
is one of 35 "post towns" along the 560-kilometer Sanyo Road that ends in Osaka
the military commander will then change to one of the go-kaidō roads that end in Nihonbashi
the center of Edo.googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1499653692894-0'); });
You're a little anxious because you had planned on turning out for the procession with your four uncles
so you ended up standing along the road by yourself
You're in the back of the crowd where it will be difficult to see
You can already hear the spectacle approach
as the usher calls out requesting all townspeople to come to heel
Sponsored contents planned and edited by JT Media Enterprise Division.